Introduction to the Z90, NX80, and AX700

[Nic]

Thanks Doug for the helpful response.

I think I must get your Master Class on the Sony cams and do more research on the Canon xf400 before I can make the choice. Never an easy decision without being able to try the actual cameras.

[Doug Jensen]

I was crunching numbers this morning and realized I crossed a threshold last week with my Z280. I got my camera in September 2018 and as near as I can determine, as of last week I have sold enough stock footage that was shot with the Z280 to cover the entire cost of the camera. Not bad. And those shots will continue to sell over and over again for years. The rest us pure gravy. I love this camera.

[Paul Cronin]

Nice shooting to make it happen, and sell.

Looking back through this thread I realize how many keeper shots my Z90 has had locked down on the stern rail of my boat. Amazing how tough that camera has been for two years of hard use sailing, and beyond. Now adding the Z280 will be a nice big brother. But still have not had time for stock being flat out with jobs, and my own sponsored work. All good.

[DrDave]

I don't usually purchase instructional videos, but after my eyes glazed over reading the Sony manual, I decided, hey, it's worth the money if it will save me both time and annoyance.
It's an excellent value. Saved me time and annoyance. You can easily skip over the parts you already know, and Doug has gone the extra mile decoding Sony's menus and setup quirks.

[Doug Jensen]

I don't usually purchase instructional videos, but after my eyes glazed over reading the Sony manual, I decided, hey, it's worth the money if it will save me both time and annoyance.
It's an excellent value. Saved me time and annoyance. You can easily skip over the parts you already know, and Doug has gone the extra mile decoding Sony's menus and setup quirks.

Thanks! I really appreciate the feedback and your taking the time to post. It is always nice to hear that the training I do is hitting it's mark.

[DrDave]

Thanks! I really appreciate the feedback and your taking the time to post. It is always nice to hear that the training I do is hitting it's mark.

Hi Doug--I double checked your recommended settings, and thanks again for the tutorial.
On a stage with (no surprise) stage lighting, my footage was blown out and I could not get the exposure compensation to work. When I add exposure compensation it makes very little difference.
Is there a way I can adjust or optimize your settings for stage lighting? I need to leave some auto exposure on because of shifts in performance lighting.
Thanks so much David T

[Doug Jensen]

Hi David,

I'm picturing a stage with brightly lit performers against a far darker background and the performers are relatively small in the frame. If that is the situation, then there is really no substitute for using full manual exposure. You'll just have to ride it up and down yourself manually as necessary. I know that's not the answer you want, but that is a very hard situation for the camera to figure out on it's own.

[DrDave]

Thanks, Doug. Appreciate it.